Pros and cons of using marijuana in Colorado

If you were to list your favorite things about Colorado, many of its recreational amenities might come to mind. If you happen to be an avid skier, then the state’s expansive slopes may be at the top of your favorite things list. Perhaps you enjoy living in Colorado because of laws that allow you use marijuana for recreational purposes. At least seven other states have adopted similar laws, and most people think more states will do so as time goes on.

Along with religion and immigration topics, however, discussing marijuana, more specifically, whether it is good or bad for your health and should or should not be legal, tends to incite contentious debate with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. If you smoke pot or use cannabis oil recreationally or medicinally, you’ll want to be aware of your rights and have a clear understanding of the laws and regulations that govern such matters throughout the state. For instance, you can smoke it but may not drive a motor vehicle afterward.

Do you use marijuana to relieve pain?

One of the most significant possible benefits of using cannabis, at least from a medicinal standpoint, is the fact that strong evidence exists toward its ability to promote substantial pain relief. Scientists believe this is mostly attributable to cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, two known active chemicals in marijuana. If you have researched the topic at any length, you may also be aware that there are approximately 400 or more other chemicals in the drug that may also have medicinal benefits but research is limited, so it’s hard to tell for sure.

Possible risks with long-term use

As with most medication, there are potential health hazards for those who use marijuana for extended periods of time. Some research shows that long-term use may adversely affect memory ability, cognitive processing skills and learning ability. How old you were when you began smoking pot or using other forms of the drug may increase or lower your risk toward such effects.

Legal implications

You live in Colorado where you are able to use marijuana as you see fit, whether it be to treat an existing medical condition (for which a valid medical card is needed throughout the state) or to relax in your free time. You risk serious legal trouble if you use it in a state with different laws. Federal law lists all marijuana use as illegal. When state and federal laws conflict, you may be faced with a tremendous challenge to avoid conviction if you face marijuana-related drug charges in court.

By clearly understanding your rights and knowing where to seek support, you may be able to mitigate your circumstances if you wind up entangled in a serious legal situation regarding the medicinal or recreational use of marijuana.